Each November, Kalaa Utsavam – Indian Festival of Arts by Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay brings together artists and audiences in a spirit of celebration, discovery, and connection. As we enter the 24th edition of the festival, from 21 – 30 Nov 2025, we are reminded of its role as a home for Indian arts in Singapore. It is a space where tradition meets innovation, where stories are shared, and where communities come together.

Guided by four key objectives—to celebrate the excellence of Indian arts and culture, present a festival that balances excitement with artistic merit, foster a stronger youth presence, and develop the next generation of Singapore artists—Kalaa Utsavam continues to honour its roots while embracing the future. This year’s festival reflects these ideals through a vibrant mix of tradition, innovation, and cross-cultural collaboration.

The festival continues to champion new creations by Singapore artists, with six new works in the line-up this year, including four Esplanade co-productions and one Esplanade commission. Mission Malligapoo by inventive theatre-makers AGAM Theatre Lab is a playful and heartwarming production, while dynamic music group SwaRhythm brings Samudra, a captivating new production inspired by the ebb and flow of the ocean. In a bold meeting of genres, trailblazing metal band RUDRA joins forces with the refined musicianship of Resound Collective for an unforgettable orchestral experience. Acclaimed Singapore poet Pooja Nansi explores love and belonging in the lyrical We Make Spaces Divine ft. Dey, and the powerful Shikhandi by SIFAS Productions Ltd blends the grace of kathak with the dynamism of bharatanatyam. The genre-bending local Latin jazz fusion band Project RA teams up with virtuoso vocalist Varijashree Venugopal to weave intricate Carnatic melodies with vibrant jazz improvisation in a performance bursting with rhythmic vitality and soulful depth.

From further afield, legendary poet and lyricist Javed Akhtar is set to enchant with Main Koi Aisa Geet Gaoon, an intimate evening of words and melodies, while beloved stand-up star Zakir Khan returns to Singapore with his trademark warmth, wit, and relatable humour.

Also not to be missed are the visually arresting Kintsugi by Canada’s renowned Sampradaya Dance Creations, multi-instrumentalist Soumik Datta’s poignant, music-driven reflection on memory and Alzheimer’s disease, Mone Rekho, and Malaysian hip-hop powerhouse Rabbit Mac’s high-energy showcase with his friends. Families can delight in the charming Circle of Life by Ranga Shankara’s AHA! Theatre for Children, specially created for children as young as five.

Throughout the festival, we are also delighted to offer many free programmes at Esplanade’s public spaces, where audiences can enjoy live music, dance and storytelling. These free programmes not only make the arts more accessible but also allow families, friends, and curious passersby to come together and experience the joy of Kalaa Utsavam together.

We express our heartfelt thanks to our Principal Sponsor, Malabar Gold & Diamonds, for their support of Kalaa Utsavam 2025.

For over two decades, Kalaa Utsavam has been a space for connection, creativity, and cultural celebration. We invite you to join us once again to discover, to be inspired, and to celebrate the evolving spirit of Indian arts in Singapore.

V M Sai Akileshwar
Producer
The Esplanade Co Ltd